How to add sound on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face situations where the standard volume of speakers or headphones seems insufficient. The reasons can vary from factory limitations of MIUI to pollution of the speaker or software failures. In this article, we will examine all working methods of increasing volume, from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu and third-party utilities.

It's important to understand that artificial amplification can cause distortion or even damage to speakers when used at maximum volume for long periods. However, in most cases, the right setup allows you to achieve a comfortable sound level without risks. We'll also look at how to diagnose hardware problems if the sound remains quiet despite all manipulations.

This article is relevant for all Redmi 9 versions (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T and 9 Prime) as they are built on a similar hardware platform, and the instructions are tested on the latest versions of MIUI 12-14, but will also be suitable for earlier builds with minor menu changes.

1. Basic volume settings in MIUI

Before resorting to radical measures, check the standard volume controls. In the Xiaomi Redmi 9, they are divided into several independent channels, which is often overlooked.

Open the Quick Settings panel with your finger down the screen, and here you'll see a volume slider -- but this is just a general regulator -- to set each channel separately.

  1. Touch the gear icon next to the volume slider.
  2. In the menu that opens, select: πŸ”Š Media – volume of music, video, games πŸ“ž Calls – the volume of incoming calls πŸ”” Notifications β€” message signals 🚨 The alarm clock is the sound of the alarm clock.

Adjust each slider to the desired level.

Note the option Do Not Disturb in the same menu – if it is active, the sound may automatically mute at certain hours. Also check if Pocket Mode (Settings β†’ Display β†’ Pocket Mode) is turned on, which lowers the volume when the screen is locked.

πŸ“Š What volume channel do you most often set up?
Media (music/video)
Calls.
Notifications
Alarm clock
Whatever.

2. Enabling sound amplification in special features settings

MIUI has a hidden audio amplification feature originally designed for hearing-impaired people, which increases the volume by 10 to 15 percent without distortion, but activates in an unobvious way.

To turn it on:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities.
  2. Select Hearing (or Audio settings in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Activate the audio amplification option (may be called Media Amplification or Sound Monitor).
  4. In additional settings of this item, select Customizable and move the slider to the maximum.

This feature only works for media content (music, video, games) and does not affect the volume of calls or notifications. Once activated, the sound will become noticeably louder, but watch for distortions at high frequencies - they can appear when listening through cheap headphones.

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If the option is not available on the menu, upgrade MIUI to the latest version or reset the special features settings (Settings β†’ All settings β†’ Recovery and Reset β†’ Reset special features settings).

3.Use of the engineering menu to manually adjust volume

The Engineering Mode allows you to manually adjust the volume levels for each channel, bypassing the limitations of MIUI. This method requires caution, as incorrect settings can damage the speakers.

Instructions for entry and setting:

  1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## After that, the engineering menu will open (if the combination does not work, try ##4636## and select Hardware Testing β†’ Audio).
  2. Go to Hardware Testing β†’ Audio β†’ LoudSpeaker Mode.
  3. In the Type list, select: 🎡 Media for music and video πŸ“ž Ring - for calls πŸ”” Notification – for notifications

Value

140

160

255

Set

Exit

Changes apply immediately, but when you reboot your phone, they may reset. To fix the settings, use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or save the values manually through ADB.

What happens if you set the 255 value in the engineering menu?
At a maximum of 255, the Redmi 9's speakers will be running at their limits: πŸ”Š Severe distortions of sound (wheezing, cod) πŸ”₯ Overheating of the speaker and the risk of physical damage πŸ“‰ Reduced hardware life Recommended maximum of 160 for media and 140 for calls.

4. Apps to amplify sound: top-5 tested utilities

If standard methods don't work well, you can use third-party applications, which work on two principles: either amplify the sound programmatically (with the risk of distortion), or optimize the frequency range for better perception.

The best apps for Xiaomi Redmi 9:

AnnexType of reinforcementPlusesCons
Volume BoosterSoftwareSimple interface, works without rootDistortion at max volume
Equalizer FXFrequency correctionImproves sound without raising volumeRequires preset settings
ViPER4AndroidHardware (root)Maximum quality, flexible settingsComplicated installation, root rights are needed
Precise VolumeFine tuning100 steps of adjustment instead of the standard 15Plugins for some applications
Music Volume EQEquator + boostBuilt-in equalizer, bass amplifierAdvertising in the free version

To install ViPER4Android, you will need to unlock root access and flash a special driver through Magisk. This is the most effective, but also the most risky method - improper actions can lead to a loss of warranty or a "brick" of the device.

Make sure you have the boot loader unlocked.|Make a backup copy of the data|Install Magisk and TWRP|Download the latest version ViPER4Android official website|Check compatibility with your version of Android-->

5. Diagnostics of hardware problems with sound

If the sound remains quiet even after all the settings, the problem may lie in the hardware. Xiaomi Redmi 9 most often suffers from three typical malfunctions:

  1. Contamination speaker - dust and pile block the membrane, reducing the volume. Blow the speaker hole with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment) or gently clean with a soft brush.
  2. Disturbance to speaker plume - after falls or impacts, contact may be disrupted, and check if the sound is lost when you press the body near the speaker.
  3. Wearing speaker - over time, the membrane loses elasticity. If the sound becomes quiet and hoarse, the speaker needs to be replaced.

To check the performance of the speaker:

  • πŸ”Š Enable the test sound through the Hardware Testing Menu. β†’ Audio β†’ Normal Mode β†’ Speaker Test).
  • 🎧 Connect headphones – if the sound in them is normal, the problem is in the phone’s dynamics.
  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) β†’ Safe Mode Reboot: If the sound comes back, it's the third-party app's fault.

πŸ’‘

If the sound is only lost in certain applications (for example, in YouTube or VK), the problem lies in the settings of these programs, not in the hardware of the phone.

6. Alternative methods: Bluetooth devices and external speakers

If you can't turn up the volume on the phone, consider connecting external devices. Today's Bluetooth speakers and headphones often sound better than the built-in speakers, and their volume can be adjusted separately.

How to connect and configure:

  1. Activate Bluetooth in the Quick Settings Panel.
  2. Transfer the column/earphones to pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds).
  3. In the list of available devices, select your column. PIN-code, try 0000 or 1234.
  4. Once connected, open Bluetooth settings (Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth) and enable Absolute Volume, which will allow you to adjust the volume directly from your phone.

For stationary use, a connection through AUX-cable (3.5 mm) or USB-C (If your speaker supports digital audio, then the volume will depend on the capabilities of the external device, not the limitations of the Redmi 9.

πŸ’‘

If Bluetooth audio is interrupted or stuttered, try changing the codec in the developer settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional β†’ Developer Settings β†’ Bluetooth Audio Codec Settings). Select SBC for stability or AAC for better quality.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to turn up the volume, users often make mistakes that lead to the opposite result or damage to the device.

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects to clean the speaker - this can damage the membrane. Use only soft brushes or compressed air.

  • πŸ”§ Ignoring updates MIUI β€” In newer versions of firmware, sound bugs are often fixed. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ”Š Setting maximum values on the engineering menu can cause distortion and risk burning the speaker. Optimal values: 140-160 for media, 120-140 for calls.
  • πŸ“± Using uncertified headphones – cheap accessories can have low resistance, which is why the phone automatically lowers the volume.
  • πŸ”„ Reset settings without backup – before any manipulation of the engineering menu or root save data via Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is completely lost after changing the settings in the engineering menu, reset via ##364463337## β†’ Audio β†’ Restore Default.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Why is the sound so quieter after the MIUI update?
Newer versions of MIUI often introduce limits on the maximum volume to meet European standards (EU Volume Limit). To return the previous level: Set the region India in the settings (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Region). Or use the engineering menu to manually adjust (see Section 3). If this does not help, roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
Can I turn up the microphone on Redmi 9?
Yes, but it requires root access. Download the Microphone Volume Booster app or edit the file. /system/etc/mixer_paths.xml Look for lines from Root Explorer. mic_gain and increase the value on 10–20%. Without root you can try: Use an external microphone (via the connector) 3.5 mm USB-C). Enable the Noise Reduction option in call settings.
The sound in the headphones is quiet, and in dynamics is normal - what to do?
The problem is probably the headphones or the jack: Try other headphones -- if the sound is normal, replace the accessory. Clean the 3.5mm dust jack with a toothpick (carefully!). Check the sound settings in the Engineering Mode. If you use Type-C headphones, try a 3.5mm adapter -- the problem may be with the digital converter.
How to reset all the sound settings to the factory?
There are three ways: Settings β†’ Settings β†’ System β†’ Additional β†’ Resetting β†’ Resetting all settings (does not delete data). Through the engineering menu: type ##364463337#, select Audio β†’ Restore Default. Through ADB: connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb shell settings reset global
Is it safe to use sound amplifiers?
Security depends on the type of application: πŸ”Ή Equalizers (e.g. Equalizer) FX) β€” They are completely safe, as they do not increase power, but adjust frequencies. πŸ”Ή Software amplifiers (e.g. Volume Booster) – can cause distortion but do not damage the speakers. πŸ”Ή Hardware amplifiers (e.g, ViPER4Android root - there is a risk of damage to the speakers if you exceed the recommended settings. Recommendation: do not set the volume above 80% of the maximum in any amplifiers.